Kauai in 5 days

Hawaii's Garden Isle: emerald cliffs, the Na Pali Coast, waterfalls and untamed tropical beauty. Best time to visit: April-June & September-October (dry, fewer crowds). Average daily budget: $200 to $450 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: North Shore (Hanalei & Princeville), The lush, dramatic north with Hanalei Bay, taro fields and the gateway to the Na Pali Coast.

Morning: See the Na Pali Coast. Experience Kauai's iconic emerald cliffs by boat, helicopter or the famed Kalalau Trail.

Afternoon: Explore North Shore (Hanalei & Princeville), The lush, dramatic north with Hanalei Bay, taro fields and the gateway to the Na Pali Coast.

Evening: Marvel at Waimea Canyon. The 'Grand Canyon of the Pacific,' a vast red-and-green gorge with spectacular lookouts and trails.

Eat: Fresh poke and Hawaiian plate lunch

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: East Side (Kapaa & Lihue), The 'Coconut Coast,' the most populated area with the airport, beaches and convenient bases.

Morning: Relax on Hanalei Bay. A perfect crescent of golden sand framed by green mountains and waterfalls on the north shore.

Afternoon: Explore East Side (Kapaa & Lihue), The 'Coconut Coast,' the most populated area with the airport, beaches and convenient bases.

Evening: Snorkel and swim at Poipu. Calm, sunny south-shore beaches with great snorkelling and frequent sea turtles.

Eat: Locally grown tropical fruit and taro

Day 3, Local neighbourhoods

Base: South Shore (Poipu), The sunniest, driest region with resorts, family beaches and great snorkelling.

Morning: Chase waterfalls. From roadside Wailua and Opaekaa Falls to hikes deeper into the lush interior.

Afternoon: Explore South Shore (Poipu), The sunniest, driest region with resorts, family beaches and great snorkelling.

Evening: Sunset and stars from the cool heights of Kokee State Park.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Fresh-caught fish and shrimp trucks

Day 4, Day trip or nature

Base: West Side (Waimea), The arid west, gateway to Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park, and the Na Pali by boat.

Morning: The Hanalei taro fields and one-lane bridges of the far north shore.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore West Side (Waimea), The arid west, gateway to Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park, and the Na Pali by boat.

Evening: Tunnels and Ke'e beaches for snorkelling when the surf is calm.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Shave ice and Kauai coffee

Day 5, Slow finish

Base: Na Pali Coast, The roadless, cathedral-like coastline seen by boat, helicopter or the Kalalau Trail.

Morning: Kayaking the Wailua River to a hidden waterfall.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Na Pali Coast, The roadless, cathedral-like coastline seen by boat, helicopter or the Kalalau Trail.

Evening: Dinner at Fresh poke and Hawaiian plate lunch, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Na Pali Coast.

Eat: Fresh poke and Hawaiian plate lunch

Hidden gems

Sunset and stars from the cool heights of Kokee State Park.
The Hanalei taro fields and one-lane bridges of the far north shore.
Tunnels and Ke'e beaches for snorkelling when the surf is calm.
Kayaking the Wailua River to a hidden waterfall.

Getting around

A rental car is essential on Kauai, as a single, often slow ring road connects the regions and there's no road around the Na Pali Coast, so reaching beaches, trailheads and Waimea Canyon requires driving. Traffic on the east side and limited north-shore parking mean early starts help, and the Haena State Park area at the road's end requires advance reservations. Public transport is minimal, so plan on a car for almost everything.

Safety

Kauai is very safe in terms of crime, with the main risks coming from the powerful ocean and rugged nature. Surf and currents can be extremely dangerous, especially on north-shore beaches in winter, so swim only at lifeguarded beaches, heed all warnings and never turn your back on the waves. Take care on wet, slippery trails and flash-flood-prone rivers, use sun protection, and don't leave valuables in parked cars at trailheads.

Kauai in 3 days | Kauai in 7 days | Full Kauai guide